On My Radar: August

And hello again to all of you! After four amazing weeks abroad (recap coming soon!), this blogger is finally back at it. To kick things off on a familiar note, we’re continuing the ‘On My Radar’ series with a look at what’s coming up for August. Are you ready? I am.

Worth the Read. I’m happy to say that I’ve been getting a ton of reading done this summer. After a crazy school year, it’s been so nice to have the time to kick back and indulge in a great book. And although my “to read” list is already a mile long, there are several books debuting this month that I can’t wait to get my hands on. From historical fiction (The Marriage of Opposites and The Race for Paris, due out August 4 and 11, respectively), to insightful memoirs (The Gratitude Diaries: How A Year Looking on the Bright Side Can Change Your Life, August 18), we’ve got enough reading material to last us well into fall.

Last Chance to Peer Through the Looking Glass. Given the amount of press its gotten in the past few months, chances are you’ve heard of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute’s latest exhibit. With over 500,000 visitors thus far, China: Through the Looking Glass is one of the museum’s buzziest installations to date. I had a chance to take in the exhibit for myself earlier this summer, and was blown away by what I saw. It’s honestly hard to put into words the visual masterpiece that is China: Through the Looking Glass. All I can say is that I left the museum inspired, moved…and itching to return.

Well, with any luck, it looks like I may just be able to. Originally scheduled for a 15-week run, the exhibit has been extended to 19 weeks, and will be closing on September 7. For those of you who have yet to see China: Through the Looking Glass, in encourage you to seize this opportunity. Trust me, you will not regret it.

Welcome to New York, Hermès. Given the recent animal rights scandal surrounding the Birkin bag, Hermès is in need of some fgood press. Thankfully, the PR team won’t have to look far: If reports are to be believed, Hermès is weeks away from opening its first parfumerie, a store exclusively dedicated to the brand’s beauty range. Set to open in at Manhattan’s glittering Brookfield Place, the store will carry everything from classic favorites like the brand’s Le Bain bath line to an exclusive scented candle, supposedly inspired by the Manhattan bodega. I don’t know about you, but I’m paying the Hermès parfumerie a visit, PETA or no PETA.

Back on Track. After a month on the bread-carbs-sugar diet, I came home more than ready to get back to my regular eating habits. I have to admit, though, that the transition has been much harder than I expected. Despite my best efforts to eat “clean,” my body craves gluten, excess dairy, and sugar, a.k.a everything I’m trying to avoid. It’s going to be an uphill climb the next few weeks, but I know that, with dedication, I’ll get system back to where it really wants to be.